chromatin Definition
- 1the material of which the chromosomes of organisms other than bacteria (i.e. eukaryotes) are composed. It consists of protein, RNA, and DNA.
- 2the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins, including histones
Using chromatin: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "chromatin" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The chromatin in the nucleus is responsible for storing genetic information.
Example
The chromatin structure can be modified by various enzymes.
Example
Changes in chromatin structure can lead to changes in gene expression.
chromatin Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for chromatin
- chromosome material
- nuclear substance
Phrases with chromatin
a tightly packed form of chromatin that is generally not accessible for transcription
Example
Heterochromatin is typically found in regions of the genome that are not actively transcribed.
a loosely packed form of chromatin that is generally accessible for transcription
Example
Euchromatin is typically found in regions of the genome that are actively transcribed.
the process by which the structure of chromatin is altered to allow access to DNA by transcription factors and other proteins
Example
Chromatin remodeling is an important mechanism for regulating gene expression.
Summary: chromatin in Brief
Chromatin [ˈkrəʊmətɪn] is the material of which the chromosomes of eukaryotic organisms are composed. It consists of protein, RNA, and DNA. Chromatin is responsible for storing genetic information and can be modified by various enzymes. It comes in two forms: heterochromatin, which is tightly packed and inaccessible for transcription, and euchromatin, which is loosely packed and accessible for transcription. Chromatin remodeling is the process by which the structure of chromatin is altered to allow access to DNA by transcription factors and other proteins.